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Unifor members ratify new deal with Domtar’s Ariva

Unifor Local 1291 has secured a new four-year contract with Ariva, a division of Domtar.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a deal that addresses our members’ top priorities,” said Local 1291 president Adam Doran.

“Our local benefits from gains in the pulp and paper bargaining pattern negotiated by units in Dryden and Espanola. However, a challenge we had to face was the employer hesitating to make changes with us that might set a precedent.”

The contract includes increased wages, improvements to vacation entitlements, health and dental benefits including vision care and orthodontics.

There were also improvements to long-term disability and life insurance benefits, shift premiums, meal allowance and increased union representation.

There are 24 members out of this unit based in Mississauga, Ont. and two members in Ottawa, Ont. Local 1291 represents truck drivers, cutter operators and warehouse workers in Mississauga and Ottawa.

The contract is retroactive to April 16, 2022, and expires on April 16, 2026, for workers based in Mississauga. The contract for Ottawa workers is retroactive to Dec. 23, 2021, to Dec. 22, 2025.